Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
04:41

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults

Published on: February 25, 2022

9.0K

Diagnosis and treatment of mycoplasmal septic arthritis: a systematic review

Y Chen1, Z Huang1, X Fang1

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, China.

International Orthopaedics
|December 4, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma septic arthritis is rare but challenging to diagnose and treat. Nucleic acid testing improves diagnosis, and targeted antibiotics are more effective than empiric treatment for this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Septic arthritis caused by Mycoplasma is uncommon, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians.
  • Effective management strategies for mycoplasmal septic arthritis are crucial due to its rarity and difficulty in diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review existing evidence on diagnosing and treating mycoplasmal septic arthritis.
  • To provide clinical guidance for healthcare professionals managing this rare joint infection.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases (search until December 2018).
  • Inclusion of English-language articles, with independent reviewer screening and data extraction.
  • Assessment of study quality using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool.

Main Results:

  • Analysis of 33 articles detailing 34 cases of mycoplasmal septic arthritis, including 8 periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).
  • Immunocompromised patients (70.6%) showed significantly lower synovial fluid white blood cell (WBC) counts.
  • Nucleic acid testing demonstrated higher positivity (100%) and faster results compared to traditional culture (50%).
  • Targeted antibiotic therapy against Mycoplasma yielded better outcomes (82.4%) than empiric antibiotics (19.2%).

Conclusions:

  • Consider mycoplasmal septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients with joint infections, negative cultures, and poor response to empiric antibiotics.
  • Nucleic acid testing is a valuable tool for accurate clinical diagnosis of mycoplasmal septic arthritis.
  • Tailored antibiotic treatment based on specific Mycoplasma identification improves patient outcomes.
Keywords:
ImmunocompromiseMycoplasmal septic arthritisNucleic acid testingPeriprosthetic joint infection

More Related Videos

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction10:35

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

Published on: December 3, 2017

11.5K
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

5.3K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
243
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
181
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
398
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
246
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
247
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
369